#games4ed discussions cover ways in which gaming can be used in education. Games mirror the way the human mind was designed to learn. They motivate players to take risks and actions, persevere through failures, set and achieve increasingly difficult goals, and devote attention, time, and effort to acquiring knowledge and skills. All this while the game is tracking the player’s actions and assessing the player’s achievements and skills. Isn’t this what we want from education?
Yo! Andrew from SoCal here. 4th-grade/GATE teacher. Enjoying my summer break by working on my classroom game and being here with all of you! The last movie I watched was Game Night. . . Go figure! #games4ed
The learning space should allow kids to explore how to better plan, organise, collaborate and set their own goals, within a safe environment. Balancing allowing them to take little risks while having support when they need to ask a question...making their own choices. #games4ed
A1: Innovation, comfort, and collaboration. I want Ss to want to be there, to be excited about discovering information and sharing what they can do with others. #games4ed
A1: I would like to have a comfortable place where my students are able to collaborate. I also want them to be actively engaged in our learning. #games4ed
A1: The goal of my learning space is to inhibit any form of affective filters that may impact student achievement/participation. Thus, it’s more focused on the comfort aspect. I want to create a space where students feel safe. This sets the tone for everything else. #games4ed
I live in Australia, find that mmo type games are awesome to teach kids how to work together to achieve a common goal. The discussions and planning that go on when they build a city together, or fight a dragon together, is magic. #games4ed
A2: Fav is a corner that has a carpet, some beanbags, tall black bookshelves flanking a tv where Ss can game or show their work. Kids flock to it. Least fav, center of the room, I never seem to be happy with furniture there #games4ed
A2: Love my furniture - Hooki stools and whiteboard tables, mixed with regular chairs, library corner, lots of flexible options - HATE that I'm a science class and I have limited resources for labs, running water, etc. I make it work though.
#games4ed
A2- Favorite is size of the room but my least is big bulky desk that take up to much of that space. Hopefully trading them in next year! #games4ed#LULearns
A2: My favorite part of my learning space is the way in which my teams are organized. The setup allows for them to work individually and/or in groups. Moreover, because students are in teams, they tend to collaborate frequently (e.g., class work, being organized, etc.).#games4ed
A1 flexibility, comfort and usefulness. A space that has multiple use areas, can change layout as needed throughout the day and also has set work spaces that address various needs of students (colab space, indiv space, creation and presentation space, also relaxation #games4ed
A3: My seating is flexible. Ss can switch seats throughout the day. I have a low table, round table, kidney table, some camp chairs, beanbag chairs...and a giant stuffed gorilla named Jeff who Ss love to sit with #games4ed
A1 The learning space needs to encompass all of these. Students need to feel comfortable in their space. Comfortable to have quiet time, to discuss, to take risks, to make mistakes, etc. If they are comfortable I think the student will feel more focused and at ease. #games4ed
A3: definitely flexible seating.
Ss can choice their work space for the class and change if throughout if needed. I do have a system in place for days when I want them in specific groups or testing days. #games4ed
A2 😂😂 my current space is a tiny office as we look for a larger space to hold the new school. It’s in a very nice building right down town and we have awesome neighbors. But as learning space is it limited and I will be happy when we finally move one from it #games4ed
A3- Has anyone ever let students pick where they sit everyday? I have middle school students so it might cause some problems but I would be interested in the results of it if you have tried. #games4ed#LULearns
A3: I have desks and chairs in groups of 4 and 5. One round white board table. I wish that I could do flexible seating but still have desks for testing. #games4ed
Sounds like a good variety. I like how you have isolated and stand up desks--often those introverted kids or those who need to focus get overlooked #games4ed
A3 we plan to have a bit of everything, stools, standing desks, cafe tables, arm chairs, students select where they work and can move around the learning space and seating as needed, they can also ask for new seating to be purchased as needed #games4ed
Q3: I have traditional seating, I do not like the yoga balls they make a noise. I love more of those creative type seating, like a college lounge. #games4ed
I let my 6th and my 8th grade students choose their teams only for certain projects. If project goes well, they get to continue to choose their teams. #games4ed
A2: My favorite past of my current learning space are my colors. I have blues and greens throughout my room with border, curtains, pillows, rugs. etc and it is very calming. My least favorite part is all of the furniture that we can't get rid of. It feels cramped! #games4ed
No doubt, the isolated desk are for students who I usually have a discussion with before they sit there. They either need the quiet area or want to be close to ask more questions. #games4ed#LULearns
A3: I want to focus on integrating more flexible seating options next year. This summer I’ll be playing around with different options. My students have a say in their seating. I’d like to give them a greater voice though and more responsibility for making decisions. #games4ed
I do after a learning period at the beginning of the year. I do have the rule that I can move you at anytime. I did find that students get comfortable, which is why I have created partner/small groups to use at least once a week...like clock partners.#games4ed
A3- Has anyone ever let students pick where they sit everyday? I have middle school students so it might cause some problems but I would be interested in the results of it if you have tried. #games4ed#LULearns
A3: My seating is semi-flexible. I cannot get rid of the desks I have so I try to incorporate other options will pillow tables, bar stools, etc. My students choose where they sit day to day which allows them to find a place they are comfortable,. #games4ed
I'm wanting to replace my moon chairs with sturdier arm chairs this year. Can't decide whether to buy some that match or keep fingers crossed for a yard sale! #games4ed
A4 I have been building the game creation station, will move on to purchasing an Xbox, gaming computers and either a smart tv or projector. We also plan to have a map board for that year’s RPG world, 3d printer and Game Center for challenges and such #games4ed
I don’t. It’s just too many bad decision to make it worth it for me. I really want them doing cool stuff more than I want them always beside their bff’s #games4ed
A3- Has anyone ever let students pick where they sit everyday? I have middle school students so it might cause some problems but I would be interested in the results of it if you have tried. #games4ed#LULearns
That's frustrating that you can't get rid of it! Could you even give it to another teacher?
Also, I have some classic green carpet in my room! Like Astroturf green. The stuff doesn't die! I'd be happy to give you some ;)
#games4ed
A4 I have been building the game creation station, will move on to purchasing an Xbox, gaming computers and either a smart tv or projector. We also plan to have a map board for that year’s RPG world, 3d printer and Game Center for challenges and such #games4ed
A4: If I had an unlimited budget, I would love to get some games from @FilamentGames. They have an awesome portfolio of true game-based learning options! I will probably get a few for next year. #games4ed
A4: I think more room for sure, and then I would love a lounge type vibe for part of the room...honestly, half lounge vibe classroom and then science lab other half for messy stuff would be A-mazing. #games4ed
Yeah, projects take anywhere from 3 wks to 6 wks or so. Depends on how well they are working together. I don't change teams very often, it's too much work! LoL #games4ed
The learning period could be a great way to go. You get to know the kids and get a sense of when they're ready for it. Great suggestion for people getting into more flex and choice seating! #games4ed
I do after a learning period at the beginning of the year. I do have the rule that I can move you at anytime. I did find that students get comfortable, which is why I have created partner/small groups to use at least once a week...like clock partners.#games4ed
God bless you, Jestin. I'm 39, and I can't fathom having a new babe in the house! (Though I did have a nephew born yesterday, so I'm pumped to go snuggle him this wknd! And then...hand him back to my sister!) #games4ed
Definitely love the idea of whiteboard tables! I've toyed with maybe putting whiteboard contact paper on my tables--or even just part of each table. Haven't had the courage yet... #games4ed
A5: when I switched to flexible seating I knew there was no budget, so I tried to repurpose things i already had. Crate seats, DIY standing table, Pinterest is super helpful with this. #games4ed I love garage sales too!
A5: If you see an area that students are struggling with, you can always modify existing games that you may already have in your classroom to support their needs. Otherwise, you can design your own game from scratch with cheap materials. Use what you have! #games4ed
I'll be anxious to hear how the Xbox and gaming computers go! I'm hoping to gain a few Windows laptops from the tech folks to run a literary video game unit this year. Fingers crossed!
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A5: We have quite a few teacher exchange groups on Facebook. I also like to shop some of the box stores. For funding, we have a grant program through our district and the neighborhood our school is near. #games4ed
YES! So many amazing games! Lots of amazing options for that upper elementary--middle school age! Definitely worth looking into for anyone who teaches that level! #games4ed
A4: If I had an unlimited budget, I would love to get some games from @FilamentGames. They have an awesome portfolio of true game-based learning options! I will probably get a few for next year. #games4ed
A5 thrift hunting is key, timing when you shop, letting your FB community know what you need and crowdfunding for big purchases if needed, some districts will offset some purchases and so do some PTA/PTO #games4ed
I don't have any U shaped tables, but all our tables make a U-shaped. We experimented last spring with different formations, and that was the students' fave, so we kept it! #games4ed
A6: They get choice in how they want to show their understanding of topics. They get to chose seats, and using @PaulSolarz Give Me Five to pause the class for a question or to give info #games4ed
I think that's a great idea--let them earn the opportunity to sit where they like! They should be more likely to be appreciative and not abuse it #games4ed
A6: I display work, have kids do a lot of the teaching through Airplay and document cams to show their work. I started an Affirmation Wall this past year, that some kids get really into...I just need to do better at introing it earlier. #games4ed
A6: My students know that we make the decisions together. I allow them multiple options. We then vote on those options as a class. I listen to what my students have to say. Whether it’s telling me about the game last night or anything else, I take the time to listen! #games4ed
A6- Student voice is visible by constantly throwing the questions back at them. Let them answer their peers' questions. Helping them understand that they can grow from mistakes, they are more willing to give effort that way. #games4ed#LULearns
A6: I display work, have kids do a lot of the teaching through Airplay and document cams to show their work. I started an Affirmation Wall this past year, that some kids get really into...I just need to do better at introing it earlier. #games4ed
A7 Ss get a standards sheet and select how they will study and present their learning, that can ask for lessons, labs lectures use class text, Watch documentaries. create games, videos, speeches, music, papers ever. The choice is theirs the rm supports each choice #games4ed
A7: With my #gamification I use background music, lights and great pictures on the smartboard to tie in with the mood and setting of the game and what is happening #games4ed
A7: I play music all day in my room. I like to play current hits in an instrumental mode. I am excited to be able to have natural light this year. If we don't have on the overhead lights, I always have on a few lamps. #games4ed
Do they keep their standards sheets in folders? Or how do you track? I've been using Google sheets but not super attached or excited about the flow of it #games4ed
A7- I try to find as many fun introduction videos with easy lyrics that students memorize and help them understand the content better. #games4ed#LULearns
A7: I try to not use my overhead lights as much as possible and have lamps and patio string lights. I usually ask the kids - lights on or off and they almost always pick off. I also play music a lot and allow kids to listen to their own music sometimes.
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A7 I like having adjustable lighting, kids can listen to music as long as it doesn’t bother those around them, I usually have art and artifacts around the space, mixed textures on furniture for the tactile folks, and a variety of puzzles and things for brain breaks #games4ed
A7: No nasty fluorescent lights. Only window, lamps, and projector. And usually soft music--piano, nature, movie soundtracks. Fridays are usually 80s pop days, though! #games4ed
A7: I play around with my lighting for certain times of the day. It helps set the tone. I also put on music by Vitamin String Quartet. They are amazing! One light on, 1 off after lunch with faint music and flexible seating = successful reading time. #games4ed
I like this idea of changing lighting throughout the day! Especially if you have the same students--like you said, helps change the tone and feel of different subjects! #games4ed
#games4ed just jumped in. A7: music varying. Sometimes classical, pop, . But my fav was world music adding to the global perspective ❤️when my Ss from other languages got to share w/ class the lyrics #empowering
Thanks for the fun hour of #games4ed and sharing thoughts and ideas about learning spaces! I'll be taking several of these ideas--including painting/whiteboard papering parts of tables!
No doubt! My subs even hear about it if they turn on the overhead lights. The kids always have to go turn on lamps and show the subs how it all works! #games4ed
